15 Signs Of A Narcissistic Wife And How To Deal With It

Have you ever heard of a narcissistic wife? If your answer is no, let this article enlighten you. Many people have narcissistic wives (or husbands). The traits of a narcissistic partner include having a self-centered attitude, an exaggerated sense of importance, a paradoxically fragile ego, believing they are better than their partners and looking down on them, and manipulating them into doing their bidding.

According to clinical psychologist Dr. Shane K. Perrault, “Lack of empathy, a self-centered personality style characterized as having an excessive interest in one’s physical appearance, and an excessive preoccupation with one’s own needs, often at the expense of your and other family members and friends are the telltale signs of a narcissistic wife.”

A narcissistic wife may isolate you from the outside world. They could try to restrict your movement and not allow you to meet your friends and family. They make you feel guilty for all manner of things that go wrong. These restrictions and controlling and self-regarding behaviors can seriously impact you, and it can drastically lower your confidence and self-esteem. This article lists the traits of a narcissistic wife. You may use them as a guide to see whether your wife might be a narcissist or not. If she is, you may use the steps mentioned in the article to tackle her. Scroll down!

Who Is A Narcissistic Wife?

A narcissist is someone who has an inflated sense of their own importance. While it isn’t uncommon for partners to work productively towards happiness as a team, a narcissistic wife is more prone to putting herself first due to her self-obsessed nature. She feels intense envy of her husband’s (and others’) accomplishments and often tries to one-up him. She releases her rage like it is Zeus’s thunderbolt, and while you may dismiss this as being short-tempered, others fear she will at some point nuke them (metaphorically, of course).

Her self-loving personality trait may result in her sidelining her husband and even her children to focus on herself. She might see them all as if they are existing purely to meet her needs and demands. There are chances that these signs may be symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, but at the same time, they may simply be traits of selfishness that someone exhibits.

Paul Banks, a blogger, writes about his experiences with his narcissistic partner, how he came to realize it, and later deal with it. It may not be easy to detect such behavior. Paul says, “We mislabel the modern epidemic of me-ism as narcissistic, but Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a whole other monster. It brutalizes its victims. It’s an invisible odorless gas, nearly undetectable (i).”

Note: When we say ‘narcissistic,’ we mean the trait of narcissism that a person portrays. It does not refer to narcissistic personality disorder, a psychological issue that must be dealt with by mental health professionals.

If you relate to any of the personality traits discussed above, you may be dealing with a narcissistic wife. To learn how it may be affecting you, read the next section.

Effects Of Being Married To A Narcissist Wife

Dealing with a narcissistic person is a really daunting task, so being married to a narcissistic wife is a whole other level. Such a situation can take a serious emotional, psychological, and physiological toll on the other person in the relationship. It can cause a loss of self-esteem and leave you alone with no one to fall back on, ultimately leading to anxiety and depression. Physically, you may suffer from headaches and stomach aches, sleep disorders, or even a weak immune system.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, it is important to identify if you are dealing with a narcissistic wife. One of the key identity markers of a narcissistic wife is emotional abuse. Learn more below.

Recognizing Emotional Abuse

When you are attached to a narcissistic partner, the whole experience can be so traumatizing that you simply turn off your emotions. This is a huge type of emotional abuse that you should be aware of. A few common symptoms are:

• You have low self-esteem and self-worth.
• You realize that you have no support system because your partner has isolated you.
• Your partner tries to make you codependent on them so you only trust them. Or they are codependent on you so you are
• scared to move on in fear of what they may do when you leave them.
  They try to make you change your decisions with emotional manipulation.

Recognizing these signs of emotional trauma helps you break out of the cycle of abuse and seek help. More importantly, it empowers you to fight for your mental health and self-esteem, which otherwise gets drained in such relationships. At times, it can also help prevent the normalization of toxic behaviors and understand that you deserve respect and healthy communication in a relationship. It helps you set healthy boundaries and think about the future of the relationship in the long run.

Understanding these signs of abuse in early stages can also minimize long-term psychological damage and make it easier to search for the right kind of help. Head to the next section to get a clearer picture and know the signs exhibited by someone who is a narcissist.

15 Signs Of A Narcissistic Wife

1. She Is DRAMA, In All Caps!

Drama is her everything, the pivot of her being.

And it does not refer to the cutesy K-dramas that everyone’s obsessed over of late. Instead, it is the never-ending hard and cold soap drama that goes on for hundreds of episodes. It will leave you emotionally, mentally, and physically drained.

2. She Loves Praising Others… Backhanded, Of Course!

Praise is good, it is encouraging, and it is nice… Well, not from her. Hiding behind every single praise is a backhanded comment. And if you are smart enough to figure it out (which most people are), it HURTS. It will leave everyone in self-doubt, which is definitely not the best place to be in.

3. Competitiveness Is Her Everything

This is not the healthy type of competition; it has to be the ugly competitiveness with a pinch of jealousy… okay, maybe a whole bottle of jealousy. First, she will compete with your kids for your attention, and then, she will compete with you for whatever new feather you have in your hat. The bottom line is she is jealous, and she is competitive, for little reason, and with everyone. Other people’s success causes her to feel inadequate.

4. She Has Perfected Abusive Behavior

Abuse can manifest in many forms — physical, mental, emotional, and psychological. While your narcissistic wife may not portray physical abuse, mental and emotional abuse are the ones she wields at the ready. It can be anything from snide comments that jab at a person’s feelings to mentally scarring someone. These reactions usually follow her feeling slighted or insulted, something that happens all too easily.

5. Empathy Is Not Her Cup Of Tea

Lack of empathy and being conceited are their telltale features.

Since everything is about her, even your wounds belong to her story. Did you hurt your elbow? Oh, don’t worry. Even she once had a huge scratch on her hand. Anyway, everything is about her. You know, right?

Quick Tip

She’ll treat you like an object. Narcissists struggle to understand why you deserve affection and attention. They will often totally disregard your needs and wishes because they prioritize their own needs and interests. This may make you feel less like a person and more like a “thing” in the relationship.

6. She Could Use Sex Appeal Like A Weapon

She knows she has got it, and she doesn’t mind using it! Sexual appeal is but a gun in her arsenal of weapons. And it is one that works, and she doesn’t mind hanging it around your neck as it satisfies her vain attitude. However, not all may use it as a weapon.

7. She Can Criticize Anything On The Spot

She will act like she is completely concerned for your well-being but ends up criticizing you, making you question yourself. The things she criticizes you on may not even exist! Did you do the dishes today? Oh well, you left a spot! Did you get promoted to team lead? Hmm, maybe it is one step closer to the CEO! There is really no satisfying her!

8. Her Anger Is Right On Her Nose

It is not an exaggeration; she has an extremely short fuse that blows up at the drop of a hat. It is not like the volcano that erupts once in a few hundred years and then stays calm for the next few hundred. Nope! She is the volcano that keeps erupting and never ceases.

9. She Expects Too Much, With Too Little To Offer

You have to get her gifts, praise, trust, unconditional love, and everything else you can give her. But she isn’t obliged to return anything, or at least that is what she thinks. While you thought it was endearing initially, now, it has just become burdensome and gives a glimpse of her self-absorbed personality.

10. She Doesn’t Mind Gaslighting You

She will make you question your reality, your sanity, and your sense of self. Her actions and her words often leave you confused, hurt, and in serious need of therapy. Of course, you won’t figure it out at the start, but as time passes by, it becomes a huge chunk of emotional manipulation.

11. You Have Started Feeling Alone In Your Relationship

Even though you are married to her, you have started feeling lonely. It is like you are the one pulling the whole weight of the family, and it has started weighing on you and wearing you down.

12. Everything She Does Is Out Of ‘Concern’ For You

Another master tactic in her hand is to make her jealousy and ‘me’ attitude come off as concern for you. It could even mean her crying off to your parents about how she is concerned about you and all the issues you are currently posing.

13. Yet, You Are The Issue!

If you tell her she is wrong, she will not hesitate to wage war as it can hurt her self-important image. If you still argue… well, we don’t want to be in your place! Your every habit has been criticized at least once, making you change your behavior, become conscious around them, or both.

14. She Will Nit-Pick Your Style Of Parenting

Another way she criticizes you is through your style of parenting. Nothing you ever do will be good enough for the kids. And if she is the one doing more of the parenting, she still won’t sit back. She will criticize something else regarding your style of parenting because of her self-admiring nature.

15. She Will Go To Any Length For Revenge

Her form of revenge isn’t always about throwing tantrums or spewing some emotional insults that hurt more than martial arts moves. Instead, it could involve putting a dent in your wallet — a huge dent at that. It doesn’t even matter if she has her own source of income. Separating and breaking up with a narcissist might make your wallet thin, but it is better for your mental health in the long run.

Narcissistic wives may be difficult to deal with, but you shouldn’t lose hope just yet. There are ways to tackle narcissistic tendencies through couples therapy, counseling, or certain modifications in your behavior to invite changes from her end.

How To Deal With A Narcissistic Wife

It may come as a shocker, but the person who lives with them can impact their behavior. So, the first step for you would be to understand if the narcissism your wife displays was in any way caused or projected by you. Dr. Perrault suggests, “Ask yourself what about her appealed to you, and did you do anything to traumatize her and bring this side out? Many spouses’ personalities shift after a traumatic event.”

If you aren’t codependent and didn’t play a role in her narcissism, couples therapy or counseling is the way forward. It will help you figure out just how you can better work in your relationship.

Another important piece of advice would be to choose your battles. Don’t argue with your wife on small issues based on insults and petty comments. By definition, individuals with narcissistic personality disorders lack insight and have impaired judgment, so talking it out will likely yield limited results. These small fights will act as bait for you, giving her a reason to pick a fight in the future.

A smart way of dealing with a narcissistic wife is to stroke their ego and ‘make them think it’s their idea.’ If you wish to convince them about something, do so in a way that lets them take the credit.

While it may seem immensely difficult to understand and deal with a narcissistic wife, a good way to counter this negative aspect would be to maintain other healthy relationships around you, be it with your children, family, or friends.

Talk about yourself as a couple and about your future in a manner where both of you are involved. For example, instead of using ‘I,’ ‘me,’ and ‘mine,’ use ‘we,’ ‘us,’ and ‘ours.’ This simple change could bring about a world of difference. It will help your wife realize and understand that this relationship isn’t a battle she is fighting against you, but it is something where you both learn and grow together.

You need to set strong healthy boundaries if you feel your wife is indeed narcissistic. Boundaries help maintain your mental health and self-respect in such a toxic environment. First, define your limits! What’s not acceptable and what’s not? Second, communicate these boundaries clearly and calmly, free of anger or accusation. You must be willing to enforce them consistently even if she tries to fight back or manipulate you. Let your partner know that there are consequences to violating these boundaries as they are important to you. Remember, the focus of establishing boundaries is on creating a healthy environment for yourself, not on changing your wife’s behavior. So, a narcissist may violate these boundaries initially, and you should be ready to mete out the consequences.

It’s important to have some effective strategies at hand that let you cope with setting emotional boundaries and dealing with a narcissistic partner. Continue reading to know more about them. 

Coping Strategies For Emotional Resilience

The best way to build emotional resilience is to focus on you and your needs. Think about what you want from a relationship and partner. Does your current partner fulfill those needs? Are they trying to make an effort to fulfill those needs? Do they seem remorseful about the abuse they have put you through? If the answer is a resounding no, then you should rethink being in the relationship.

Next, you need to focus on your health – physical, mental, and emotional. Indulge in activities that help to enhance your mental health, such as therapy or support groups. Maintain relationships with people who support you. You should also explore self-care in the form of regular exercise, healthy diet, good sleep, and hobbies or activities that can fulfill your needs to be happy. 

Such mindfulness and meditation therapies can help you deal with any stressful times. Journaling is another invaluable tool to navigate through problems in a relationship with a narcissistic partner. Review your entries from time to time to reflect on your growth as well as the dynamics of the relationship. Try to seek professional help alongside this strategy for an objective perspective. Remember, these strategies may assist you in managing your narcissistic partner, but they don’t replace professional help if you are in an abusive relationship. Do not forget your safety and well-being is of utmost importance. Do not ever think twice before getting the support you need.

Quick Tip

Develop your sense of self-esteem since it can help you cope better with some of the destructive behaviors you may encounter while keeping up with someone with NPD. Positive self-talk and self-care can help you develop resilience and boost your self-esteem.

Infographic: 6 Signs Of A Narcissistic Wife

A narcissistic wife primarily focuses on herself, and her second focus may be gaining attention. So, if your wife is a narcissist, how do you deal with her? Or what are all the other signs? Go through the infographic below to learn more about the signs of a narcissistic wife.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is it like living with a narcissist wife?

Living with a narcissistic partner can be extremely distressing. You constantly walk on eggshells. You often have to put your own needs aside to please or placate them so they don’t get angry, which takes a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Can you fix a marriage with a narcissist?

Yes, but that road is long, exhausting, and demands a lot of patience on your part. And it has to begin with the narcissistic partner acknowledging their flaws which is something unimaginable for them. If they refuse to change, there is no hope for a healthy marriage.

Do narcissists get divorced?

People exhibiting narcissistic behavior are at a high risk of getting divorced once their partners realize the toxicity of their relationship.

Do you think you are married to a narcissistic wife? Click on the video below and learn 10 ways she may be treating you bad and how to deal with them.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Vincenzo SinisiClinical Psychologist

     

Vincenzo Sinisi is a psychoanalyst, group analyst, clinical psychologist, and the founding director of TherapyRoute, an international mental health service directory and resource platform. He has 14 years of experience and is an active member of the South African psychotherapeutic community and has held several executive positions, including Chairperson of the Cape Town Society for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Secretary of the South African Psychoanalysis Initiative and Treasurer / Board Member of the Center for Group Analytic Studies.

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Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha has a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, a professional Relationship Coach diploma, and over four years of experience in writing. She writes about relationships and lifestyle.Sneha began her career as an instructional designer, shifted to freelance technical and research writing, and self-published a novella on the theme of adolescent mental health.

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Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor

Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

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Reshma LatifBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Reshma is a content writer with a penchant for writing articles on relationships, makeup, and beauty. She started her writing career in 2007, soon after graduating from Mahatma Gandhi University. What began as a love for blogging bloomed into several freelancing opportunities over the years.

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